*UPDATE: Vendredi Trois has this morning been declared a non-runner* THE highs and heartbreaking lows of racing have been felt by the Emma Lavelle team in the past few weeks. The death of one the yard’s great white hopes, Killyglass, was a reminder of how cruel this sport can be. The winner of last season’s Aintree Championship Bumper died in a freak accident at Stratford. But despite that bitter setback, the yard has hit back admirably with a slew of winners. Bouggler’s return to form and the promising novice chasers Le Bec and Claret Cloak have provided much needed cheer and reason for optimism. Tomorrow at Exeter another nice young horse from the Lavelle team runs in the shape of VENDREDI TROIS.

The four year old hinted at ability in two well contested bumpers last season. He is well regarded and this looks like it could be the ideal introduction in what is his first race over hurdles. Whatever he does tomorrow, he is one to keep in the notebook.